Share bike operators could soon be slapped with fines if they leave abandoned bicycles strewn across Sydney streets. In a NSW government crackdown, legislation is being drafted which will see operators penalised if dumped bikes are strewn across the city, Transport Minister Andrew Constance said on Wednesday. "They are being strewn everywhere, they've been a hazard," Mr Constance told reporters in Sydney. He said it was "unacceptable" the operators were leaving the bikes abandoned on streets, parks and beaches when they have the ability to track and retrieve them. The legislation will be similar to the fines currently in place for dumped shopping trolleys. "We are now going to put the onus back on them and we will ensure there are penalties in place to incentivise them to do the right thing by the community and not treat footpaths as a dumping ground for these bikes," Mr Constance said. It follows a motion passed by Waverley Council in Sydney's eastern suburbs earlier in the year to impound any abandoned or unattended bikes. Mayor John Wakefield said at the time the council had lost patience with the operators. The draft legislation will support local councils by allowing them to introduce a penalty in the hope operators will "smarten up their act," Mr Constance says. The government insists it's committed to making share bikes work and will talk with councils to identify areas where the bikes can use existing parking sites across the city. A Mobike spokeswoman told AAP regulations are necessary and the company is committed to working with all levels of government. Reddy Go, oBike Australia and ofo have been contacted for comment. Australian Associated Press

Sydney's dumped share bikes to cop a fine

Share bikes found dumped in Sydney will soon earn their owners a fine.

Share bike operators could soon be slapped with fines if they leave abandoned bicycles strewn across Sydney streets.

In a NSW government crackdown, legislation is being drafted which will see operators penalised if dumped bikes are strewn across the city, Transport Minister Andrew Constance said on Wednesday.

"They are being strewn everywhere, they've been a hazard," Mr Constance told reporters in Sydney.

He said it was "unacceptable" the operators were leaving the bikes abandoned on streets, parks and beaches when they have the ability to track and retrieve them.

The legislation will be similar to the fines currently in place for dumped shopping trolleys.

"We are now going to put the onus back on them and we will ensure there are penalties in place to incentivise them to do the right thing by the community and not treat footpaths as a dumping ground for these bikes," Mr Constance said.

It follows a motion passed by Waverley Council in Sydney's eastern suburbs earlier in the year to impound any abandoned or unattended bikes.

Mayor John Wakefield said at the time the council had lost patience with the operators.

The draft legislation will support local councils by allowing them to introduce a penalty in the hope operators will "smarten up their act," Mr Constance says.

The government insists it's committed to making share bikes work and will talk with councils to identify areas where the bikes can use existing parking sites across the city.

A Mobike spokeswoman told AAP regulations are necessary and the company is committed to working with all levels of government.